In line with Earth Day and Earth Month celebrations, Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University (DMMMSU), through the Environmental Concerns, Sustainability and Development Unit and the Institute of Environmental Studies – Young Earthsavers’ Society (IES-YES), recently conducted an upcycling workshop dubbed Project heARTS (Helping the Environment thru Arts) at the GIS Building, North La Union Campus, Sapilang, Bacnotan.

Designed to instill environmental consciousness and promote circular economy practices, the workshop engaged student participants in transforming discarded cotton clothing into useful household items such as potholders and rugs. The activity was facilitated by Ms. Mercy F. Vallejo and Mr. George Bitantes of the Jaime V. Ongpin Foundation, Inc. (JVOFI), a long-standing partner of DMMMSU in sustainability initiatives.

This initiative forms part of a broader collaboration between DMMMSU and JVOFI through the Inclusive Ridge to Reef Solid Waste Management Program – an ongoing project implemented across several La Union municipalities including Naguilian, Bauang, San Juan, Bacnotan, and San Gabriel. The program aims to promote integrated and inclusive approaches to managing solid waste, from upland to coastal communities. (By Celso H. Jucutan)